Mertensophryne nyikae (common name: Nyika dwarf toad) is a species of toad in the family Bufonidae. It is endemic to the Nyika Plateau of northern Malawi and adjacent northeastern Zambia.[1][2] Its natural habitats are montane forests and nearby wet, boggy grasslands at approximately 2,500 m (8,200 ft) asl. Breeding takes place in small, shallow pools. Although its range is mostly (possibly entirely) within relatively well managed protected areas, habitat loss remains a potential threat.[1]
Mertensophryne nyikae | |
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Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Amphibia |
Order: | Anura |
Family: | Bufonidae |
Genus: | Mertensophryne |
Species: | M. nyikae
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Binomial name | |
Mertensophryne nyikae (Loveridge, 1953)
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Synonyms | |
Bufo taitanus nyikae Loveridge, 1953 |